The first dengue fever case of the year was discovered in Taipei City yesterday, contracted by a victim while traveling abroad.
"In past years, dengue cases were rarely reported until late in April or May," said Lai An-chi (賴安琪), section head at the Bureau of Health of the Taipei City Government. "This is the first time we came across it [dengue fever] during the winter season."
Dengue fever is a viral infection common throughout tropical and subtropical regions.
"This case sends a warning to the public that though it is winter now, we still need to be aware of dengue fever," she said.
Lai said that the infected individual, a 50-year-old woman, contracted the illness earlier this month while touring Cambodia.
Upon returning home and noting symptoms had become severe, the woman visited her doctor.
"As soon as the hospital informed us of the case, we began spraying chemicals right away in the vicinity of this individual's house -- along Shihlin district's Datung Road -- to eradicate any possible dengue-carrying mosquitoes," Lai said.
With the arrival of students' winter vacations and the Chinese New Year holidays -- a popular time to travel -- Lai said the public should be aware of mosquito bites.
"We want to caution people who are planning to travel abroad, especially to countries in Southeast Asia and regions where temperatures are usually high, to be aware of dengue fever and to protect themselves from contracting it by wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding mosquito bites."
Symptoms usually appear after three to four days, with a rash which spreads to the face, arms and legs.
Occasionally the dengue virus can produce shock and hemorrhage, leading to death.
Lai said that Aedes mosquitoes like to breed in standing water found in places such as the empty tires, artificial ponds and flower pots.
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